The WNBA has suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game following a review of an incident that occurred during the Mercury's 111-109 victory over the Indiana Fever on June 24. The league announced Thursday that Thomas was penalized for "recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area" of Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
The play in question took place with 6:52 remaining in the second quarter. As Clark drove toward the basket and went to the floor amidst a scramble for the ball, Thomas appeared to make contact with Clark's neck and throat area. No foul was called on the play during the game.
League Review and Ruling
The WNBA stated that Thomas' action was classified as a non-basketball act. The league's office retains the authority to reclassify flagrant fouls or classify uncalled fouls as flagrant after reviewing game footage, with the potential for fines or suspensions.
Thomas is scheduled to serve her suspension on June 27, when the Mercury are set to play the Toronto Tempo. The WNBA's decision came after Fever coach Stephanie White publicly criticized the officiating following the loss.
White described the missed foul on Thomas as "absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful." She also raised concerns about a separate play where Clark landed awkwardly after being fouled by Valeriane Ayayi on a three-point attempt. While that play was reviewed, it was not upgraded to a flagrant foul. Clark subsequently experienced back discomfort and left the game, not returning. She had recorded 19 points and eight assists in 20 minutes of play before her exit.
Despite the league's post-game ruling, the outcome of the game remains unchanged, with the Mercury securing the win. However, the WNBA's acknowledgment of the missed foul on Thomas suggests that White's complaints were not solely postgame frustration. The league's review and subsequent suspension highlight ongoing conversations about officiating and player safety, particularly concerning Clark, who is a significant draw for the WNBA.